Kegani Racing Academy (KRA) has unveiled two major initiatives aimed at shaping the future of grassroots motorsports — the launch of the SKILLDRVN Swift Pro-Cup in 2026 and the establishment of its first international franchise in Japan. These developments mark a significant step forward in creating structured pathways for aspiring racers to progress within an affordable and sustainable motorsport ecosystem.

The SKILLDRVN Swift Pro-Cup, set to debut in 2026, will be recognized as a national status championship featuring five competitive rounds. This series builds on the success of the SKILLDRVN One Make Race (OMR) Series and serves as a natural progression for drivers who have completed KRA’s core SKILLDRVN Driver Development Program (DDP).

To qualify for the Pro-Cup, racers must first graduate from the DDP, participate in at least three SKILLDRVN Swift OMR races, and accumulate points through consistent performance. Only then will they be eligible for selection during the Pro Team Draft in January 2026.

“This is a new branch within Malaysia’s motorsports ecosystem — designed to deliver close racing at a lower and more sustainable cost,” explained KRA Principal and Chief Coach Kenny Lee. “Although the series uses older cars, the racing will be highly competitive, with proper racecraft and team representation, while providing brands an affordable entry point into motorsports.”

The 2026 Pro-Cup will initially feature 10 exclusive teams, with early sign-ups including Team Bendix Malaysia, Team Profimax, and Team Ultra Racing. Each team will begin with a single-car entry, with an option to expand to two cars as the championship grows. Brands are encouraged to join as Supporting Partners, enabling them to own and manage teams as part of this new racing ecosystem.

In a groundbreaking move, KRA officially launched KRA Japan on August 13 through a strategic partnership with Fujii Engineering — a specialist in racing car manufacturing, high-performance components, and next-generation mobility solutions. The Japanese franchise mirrors the successful Malaysian model, combining classroom lessons, simulator training, and on-track sessions to accelerate driver development.

KRA Japan aims to strengthen grassroots motorsports by introducing structured programs such as the SKILLDRVN Driver Development Program and specialized courses like Track Day preparation. It also plans to collaborate with existing Japanese race series that emphasize fairness and driver skill, offering Malaysian drivers opportunities to race on legendary Japanese circuits.

“With KRA Japan, we’re creating two-way collaboration that benefits both countries. Many Malaysian drivers dream of competing in Japan, and this initiative opens that door while exposing them to the high standards and ethics of Japanese motorsport,” said Kenny Lee, drawing on his own experience racing in the Japanese Super Endurance Series.

Fuji Engineering’s Director, Mitsuru Fujii, highlighted the need for a more efficient approach to driver development in Japan, where many young talents burn through their resources without reaching higher levels. He sees KRA’s model as a sustainable solution that creates a self-sustaining ecosystem, turning motorsport into an educational and professional pathway rather than a financial burden.

“Motorsport is often viewed as a game where money flows out without return. Our shared vision with KRA is to build an ecosystem that nurtures aspiring drivers and engineers, allowing them to learn, grow, and give back to the next generation. This creates a positive cycle that can rejuvenate the sport,” said Fujii.

Looking ahead, KRA Japan plans to expand beyond Suzuka to other circuits, while KRA Malaysia focuses on its Train the Trainer initiative and future franchises across Asia.

For more details on the SKILLDRVN One Make Race Series, SKILLDRVN Swift Pro-Cup, or KRA’s development programs, visit KRA’s Facebook page or contact Kenny Lee at 012-614 4141 and Ju at 012-686 6177.